Young Adults

Antonia and her twin sister Happy are part of the first seven children welcomed into Sonshine March 1, 2011. They had been wandering alone on the streets of Arusha and were attracted to a community outreach event at a church where they caught the eyes of founders Melody and Ray Schumacher. Realizing they were at risk and working with local leaders, the Schumachers were able to make arrangements to bring the twins to Sonshine. Antonia has grown into a beautiful young lady of great faith, kindness, and love. She will enter college in April 2025 to earn degrees in fashion design and beauty care.

Happy joined her twin sister Antonia on March 1, 2011 as part of a group of seven first children to come to Sonshine. She, her sister, and a small group of street children came running to a church outreach event when they heard the excitement of the gathering. Sonshine founders Ray and Melody Schumacher were in attendance and immediately noticed Happy and the others kids. The Schumachers were able to make careful arrangements to have the small group of children become the first members of the Sonshine family. Happy is off to college to earn her Social Worker credentials so she can help orphaned children.

Joshua, respectfully referred to a “Big Joshua”, came to Sonshine with the original group in March 2011. He has a similar, threatening life story. After the death of his father, his mother was remarried to her husband’s brother, per cultural tradition. The uncle gained power at the funeral and took all the property and a large herd of cattle from Joshua’s father. Joshua was subjected to herding cattle at the age of 5 by an unkind uncle. Joshua’s abandonment brought him to a church outreach campaign and into Sonshine. Joshua is a remarkable young man with an entrepreneurial spirit to someday be a founder and contributor to children's homes.

Maggie is a founding member of the Magnificent Seven, Sonshine’s term for the first children to arrive at Sonshine in March 2011. She is related to Jasmin through family connections. Maggie’s father died when Maggie was young, and her mom became very ill. Her father was originally from Zambia and escaped to Arusha, staying in a slum-like refugee camp due to war in Zambia. The way of life where they lived was very dangerous. So, as street children, they found comfort and security in a church crusade and caught the attention of the founders Ray and Melody Schumacher. Maggie is excited about the things God has for her future.

Jasmin was brought to Sonshine in March 2011 with six other children. She is related to Maggie through her father. Although her father and mother are alive, they separated and Jasmin went with the mother. The lifestyles of the parents would have led to a short, very difficult life for Jasmin. Due to the risks of life, a social worker was able to bring Jasmin to the original matron of Sonshine. After a few years, Jasmin was able to open up and blossom. She is tremendously talented and very smart. She actively leads worship, interprets, and is preparing to earn a degree in Accounting and Finance to make the world a better place.

Neema and her younger sister Upendo came to Sonshine March 1, 2011 as part of a first group of children. After their father died, their lives were about to become drastically altered. Their mother, by culture was required to remarry one of the husband’s brothers and the sisters would have been married off at the age of 10. A loving grandmother intervened and Neema and her sister were brought to Sonshine. Their beauty and growth are inspiring and God's gifting in their lives is great. Neema senses being guided by the Lord to pursue Human Resources and Project Management to be able have the greatest impact on others.

Andrew is named in the Magnificent Seven as he arrived in November 2011. This is the name given to seven of the original children that recently graduated from high school. Andrew was around 5 years old when his father died from HIV. His mother was HIV positive and kicked out of the village due to the stigma. She pleaded for work but the only job she was able to get was cooking food at a big marketplace. This kept Andrew out of school and a government worker was quick to notice with concern. Sonshine was able to help and welcomed Andrew. He has grown to become an amazing young man with a heart to become a doctor.